Following the era of decolonization, many authors from former colonies have become internationally renowned and their works have been translated into major world languages. Consciously and unconsciously, these works are written expressions of creolization. This event aims both to build on the mostly literary exposition in these volumes and to (re)focus specifically on issues directly related to the translation of creole languages and cultures, both within and beyond the realm of literary expression. What are the inherent pitfalls in translating creolization? Can, and should, the translation of creolization matter in a globalized world? To what extent can, and how should, creole languages and cultures be translated? Of what relevance and importance is translating creolization to Translation Studies and academia as a whole?

As the field of Translation Studies rapidly expands, issues relating to the translation of minority languages and cultures such as those of creole societies have begun to receive more detailed attention. However, something of a void still exists in regard to the translation of creole languages and cultures, especially from regional academics. This symposium on “Translating Creolization” will therefore provide a forum for airing new avenues of research and proposing new engagements in this area for academics including post-graduate students in diverse interdisciplinary fields such as Caribbean Studies, Cultural Studies, Post-colonial Studies, Diaspora Studies and translation theorists and practitioners. The main aim is to discuss the impact of theory on practice and vice versa as well as to exchange new theories and ideas on the issues specifically involved in translating Creole languages and cultures worldwide. These discussions can shed light on broader translatological issues among other languages and cultures. We welcome comparative work from the Caribbean and other regions where the concept of creolization is a relevant tool of analysis.